Rangers chief Steven Gerrard enjoyed a winning start to his senior managerial realm following last week’s 2-0 triumph over Macedonian outfit FK Shkupi in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie. The fixture, however, was not yet over as they had to secure a favourable outcome in tonight’s return leg tie and avoid an upset similar to last year’s shocking defeat versus Luxembourg minnows FC Progrès Niederkorn under former boss Pedro Caixinha. Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England midfield icon, showed signs of an exciting free-flowing and pressing football, but the Light Blues failed to claim a result for being wasteful in front of goal.
They, nevertheless, advanced to the second qualifying round with a 2-0 aggregate scoreline, banking on the Ibrox outcome and below are the players rated in their scoreless draw against the Macedonian outfit.
Allan McGregor (7.5)
The veteran Scotsman is yet to concede a goal in his Rangers return as he claimed back to back clean sheets banking on another dominating display between the sticks. He was forced to make some routine stops and used his vast experience while decision making, outings and distribution.
James Tavernier (7)
Had one sloppy moment in the first-half which could have been a massive setback, however, the skipper was relentless down the right-hand flank with his persistent runs, exquisite crosses and also link-up play.
Connor Goldson (7)
The highly-rated former Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back had another solid defensive display as he did not allow the opponents to trouble much and retained a clean sheet in their first away outing of the season.
Nikola Katic (6.5)
The Croatian starlet has been handed a regular role in the Gers’ deep defensive line alongside Goldson and the player too justified the manager’s trust with back to back comprehensive performances. Looked nervy at times while dealing with crosses and set-pieces, but showed enough attributes to be a towering central defensive option in due course if handed opportunities to flourish.
Jon Flanagan (6.5)
The former Liverpool academy prodigy enjoyed a blistering start of his new chapter with a formidable display down the left-hand flank at Ibrox but looked more confined tonight with little overlap runs which were not as impactful as the first leg tie.
Ross McCrorie (7)
The youngster had a decent game in a defensive midfield role where he broke down multiple moves and maintained a high pressing which eventually led to possession loss for the opponents.
Ryan Jack (6.5)
Returned to first-team action tonight and utilized in a box-to-box role as their chief ball carrier. Jack controlled his aggression and delivered a compact as well as composed display in the middle of the park.
Daniel Candeias (6)
The Portuguese wide attacker is being exploited in a slightly deeper role down the right flank due to his high work rate and defensive contribution. The player played some decent one-twos and cut insides but lacked end product and was eventually taken off to be replaced by Ovie Ejaria in the second half.
Josh Windass (6.5)
The energetic Englishman threated the Shkupi backline with his pace, footwork, tricky runs and shooting. However, the player must work on his decision making as he tested the keeper a few times but should have done a lot better if he had combined with fellow attackers high up the pitch. Was taken off to be replaced by 18-year-old Glenn Middleton just over an hour mark.
Jamie Murphy (6)
The Scotsman notched one early in the first half at Ibrox but failed to covert tonight despite having a number of opportunities that he either miscued or failed to react sharper. Murphy played in a more advanced role and kept on troubling the opponents’ defensive line with his runs and swift movements. But he failed to break the deadlock and was replaced by Andy Halliday in the closing seconds of the game.
Alfredo Morelos (5.5)
Created a few chances but was mostly disappointing otherwise as Morelos, being Gerrard’s preferred ‘number 9’, failed to leave an impact all throughout.
Substitutes
Glenn Middleton (6)
The teenager was sharp with his movements but failed to covert a glorious opportunity as he could not direct his strike on target from a glaring pass from Ovie Ejaria.
Ovie Ejaria (6.5)
The Liverpool loanee made a positive impact as soon as entering the pitch and laid on Middleton perfectly who failed to covert.
Andy Halliday (NA)
Played too little to warrant a rating.
